Moldova Holds High-Stakes Parliamentary Election Amid Russian Interference Allegations

Moldova held parliamentary elections amid intense political tension and allegations of Russian interference aimed at influencing the vote towards pro-Russian parties. President Maia Sandu's pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), which has led since 2021, faces challenges from the pro-Russian Patriotic Bloc, which includes several opposition parties. Authorities conducted hundreds of investigations into electoral corruption and illegal party financing, resulting in arrests and the barring of some pro-Russian parties, including Heart of Moldova, from participation. Voter concerns over economic issues have fueled support for the opposition, complicating PAS's prospects of maintaining a majority and potentially impacting Moldova's ambitions for EU membership by 2030. The elections are seen as critical for the country's future direction, with fears that a pro-Russian parliament could destabilize Moldova and the region, especially given its proximity to the Ukraine war and the presence of a Russian garrison in the breakaway region of Transnistria. Moldova also expanded voting access with over 300 polling stations for its diaspora and introduced mail voting in ten countries for the first time.